Dental Assistant

used routinely only for skin wipe

Alcohol

a microorganism growth inhibitor

Antimicrobial

free of pathogens

Asepsis

steps necessary to ensure an environment free from pathogens

Aseptic technique

effective sterilization by steam under pressure

Autoclave

any visible organic debris

Bioburden

microscopic communities that allow bacteria, fungi, and viruses to multiply

Biofilm

vials or strips used to determine if sterilization has occurred

Biologic indicators

nonregulatory agency responsible for making recommendations on health and safety

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

the presence of an infectious agent

Contamination

touching or first hand contact

Direct contact

to kill pathogens by physical or chemical means

Disinfect

regulatory agency responsible for protecting and restoring the environment and public health

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

regulatory agency that regulates the manufacturing and labeling of medical devices and solutions

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

contact with a microorganism through means of contaminated instrumnets, supplies, and equipment

Indirect contact

methods to eliminate or reduce the transmision of infectious microorganisms

Infection control

the act of breathing in

Inhalation

solution used as an intermediate level desinfectant

Iodophor

forms that provides health and safety information regarding materials that contain chemicals

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

nonregulatory agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work related disease and injury

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

nonregulatory agency responsible for providing leadership and financial support to researchers

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

regulatory agency responsible for enforcing employers to protect the employees

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

placed over latex or vinyl gloves during a procedure to prevent cross contamination

Overgloves

items that should be worn to protect against contact with all body fluids

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

disruption of microorganisms and debris on a surface

Sanitization

household bleach

Sodium hypochlorite

process that kills all microorganisms

Sterilization

instrumnet that loosens and removes debris by sound waves

Ultrasonic cleaner

guidelines established by the CDC to help protect health care workers and patients from the transmission of infectious diseases

Universal precautions

used during disinfection and cleanup procedures

Utility gloves